10 Weird Diseases
Published on November 7, 2009 | 21 commentsThe sheer range of diseases that affect humans is overwhelming, but it’s as infinitely interesting as it is exhausting. Whether they’re physical, mental, or both, these diseases are some of the most intriguing:
1. Elephantiasis
Elephantiasis (often misspelled or mispronounced as “elephantitis”) is characterized by an extreme swelling of the limbs or regions of the head and neck. This effect is caused by an excess fluid build-up in the tissues. The condition is caused by several parasites that affect the lymphatic system, all of which are transmitted by mosquitoes.
2. Pica
People with Pica exhibit an irrational desire to eat non-food items. This behavior can occur in pregnant women (where it is often associated with certain mineral deficiencies), but is especially prevalent in young children. Patients may eat anything, from paint and sand to animal feces.
3. Hypertrichosis
Hypertrichosis, sometimes called “Human Werewolf Syndrome”, is characterized by excessive hair growth. It is generally only a cosmetic problem, and though it is exceptionally rare, patients can live relatively normal lives.
4. Capgras Delusion
The Capgras delusion (or Capgras syndrome) is a rare disorder in which a person holds a delusion that an acquaintance (typically someone close) has been replaced with an imposter. This delusion can be so strong that they may actually attack the loved one.
5. Alice in Wonderland Syndrome
Individuals with this strange syndrome will incorrectly perceive the sizes of things: from objects, to animals, to parts of their own body. Their hands may appear enormous to them, while a horse will appear to be the size of a cat.
6. Exploding Head Syndrome
Typically associated with extreme fatigue or stress, individuals with Exploding Head Syndrome will hear an enormously loud noise (like an explosion or gun shot) that seems to originate from inside of their own head. The “explosion” will often occur a few hours into sleep.
7. Latah
“Latah” is both the name of the condition and a name for people afflicted with this condition. Latahs respond to being surprised by falling into a trance state in which they mimic the speech and actions of those around them and obey all commands given to them without thought. During these episodes, they are completely unaware of their actions.
8. Cotard’s Syndrome
Cotard’s Syndrome is a delusion most often present in depressed or suicidal individuals in which they believe that they are dead, do not exist, are putrefying, or have lost their blood and/or internal organs.
9. Progeria
Progeria is a fatal genetic disorder that is characterized by the appearance of rapid aging in children. They usually appear normal at birth, but soon show signs of rapid aging. Sadly, children suffering from Progeria usually die of heart disease early in adolescence.
10. Moebius Syndrome
Moebius Syndrome is a neurological disorder in which patients cannot use their facial muscles. They cannot blink, smile, frown, or more their eyes from side to side. Even drinking, eating, and breathing can be problematic.
A tragic problem with some of these afflictions is that their rarity and uniqueness means that people are less aware of them and they are less likely to receive medical research. Research foundations exist for many these diseases, if you feel inclined to donate – and we hope you do.
Written by Christopher Moyer – Copyrighted © www.weirdworm.com
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21 Comments
Quote: “A tragic problem with some of these afflictions is that their rarity and uniqueness means that people are less aware of them and they are less likely to receive medical research.”
You can always go to Doctor House and he will figure it out what is going on
Ha ha that’s funny I was thinking the same thing about house. love that show!
LOL yeah haha House ftw
Alice in wonderland syndrome is an incorrect perception of time, not size
no, they have it correct. alice in wonderland syndrome is incorrect perception of size – hence the name.
“When I was a child, I had a fever, my hands felt like two balloons!”
That is Pink Floyd Syndrome, but strangely enough I have had it.
“incorrect perception of time” that should be “back to the future syndrome ” right …….
I had Alice in Wonderland syndorme as a child. With me it was a mixture of things appearing the wrong size, often too big and too small at the same time, a slight feeling of clautrophobia and being too small,yet of being too big for objects within the next second. This included colours changing or being odd too. I’ve never heard of it being about time.
Oh, wow… If you don’t mind me asking, how did you get over it? Therapy? Grew out of it?
I have Exploding Head Syndrome aparently, which I didn’t know existed until now ._.
wow betty that is really interesting and i would love to know more. Im not being sarcastic or anything but its really fascinating!
Hey, i use to have alice in wonderland syndrome as a child too. It’s nothing really, just abit freaky and seems like nightmares sometimes, say if you’re in bed and the door will appear very far away or the window seems extremely close as if you could touch it although it’s 15 feet away.
can you have episodal alice in wonderland syndrome? when i get low blood sugar i see things really big and really small at thesame time and i have this sensation like everything is giant sized but im too big for it all. it is very discombobulating.
Huh, that is odd. Hope someone is expert in this field and you will get answer soon.
It’s called psilocybin
@LIZ – low blood sugar may lead to gathering of some water like fluid in eyes which may lead to seeing objects as big or small. my dad had the problem and got it solved within 2 weeks. consult a good EYE SPECIALIST.
I think I have the capgras delusion and the latah.
When people ask me stuff like get some tissues I just run and get them,
And I often feel like my parents or friends change.
Actually, what causes you to constantly go get stuff for others is called Doormatitis.
Also, why you might feel like everyone is changing around you might be because of Insecurititis.
You also might have Hypochondria.
Well, i wouldn’t like to experience any of these syndromes
but i would like to see what the’Alice In Wonderland’ Syndrome is like. a horse the size of A Cat seems amazing.
i dont actually see how any of these could be real and if you think about it there are much more things in the world that are devestating yet intresting and you just can’t get enough!
Im sort of into the whole doctors thing and if i discover something in a few years time it could make the world a better and healthy place to be. Its incredible what sort of things you could find!!
I have never heard of exploding head syndrome either, but I have always, from time to time, been awaken..awoken..whatever, woken up
by a very loud scream of my name that seemed to come from inside my head. It’s happened several times throughout my life.
I didn`t get… What is the 2 disease???
Don’t forget synesthesia, the blending of sense data processing, such that patients hear colour, taste shapes, or see sounds.